A Man Ealing Should Be Proud Of

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Richard Mannington Bowes who died following the Ealing riots

Tributes were paid to local hero Richard Mannington Bowes, at his funeral service this afternoon at St John’s Church in West Ealing.

Mr Bowes, 68, of Haven Green, suffered fatal head injuries during violence in Springbridge Road in August.

Mr Bowes’ sister, Anne Wilderspin, invited local residents and many turned up to pay their respects.

The service began with an introduction by the Reverend Peter Mackenzie who spoke of Mr Bowes as a “local hero who died trying to make a positive difference in the world.”

This was followed by a moving tribute to Mr Bowes by John Leaning, his cousin, and a talk from family friend the Reverend Jimmie Song, who suggested that the legacy of his friend’s death should be “making this a community to be proud of.”

The congregation exited the church to Symphonie Fantastique by Hector Berlioz, one of Mr Bowes’ favourite pieces.

Joining the local community at the funeral was the Ealing Mayor, John Gallagher, Deputy Mayor, Mohammad Aslam, and the Leader of Ealing Council, Julian Bell.

There was a police presence but the mood was calm and respectful throughout.

In Mr Leaning's eulogy he spoke of his cousin as a man who will forever be remembered.

He said he derived comfort from the fact that although Mr Bowes had always been a private man, his determination to “ stand up for what he believed to be right had led him to make his mark after all.”

 

Charlie Bain

27th September 2011